UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - No 39

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO
Issue: N. 39
Date: December 2011
Publisher: Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU)
Country: Italy
Language: Italian
Price: € 6,00
Cover Headline: 150 ANNI DI UFO IN ITALIA (150 Years of UFOs in Italy)

This special issue of UFO Magazine, published by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU), focuses on the history of UFO sightings and related phenomena in Italy, coinciding with the 26th National Ufology Convention held in Turin on November 12, 2011. The convention and the magazine issue are themed around the 150th anniversary of Italy's unification, linking historical UFO events to significant national milestones.

Editorial and Convention Rationale

The editorial by Gian Paolo Grassino explains the choice of Turin as the venue for the 26th National Ufology Convention, highlighting the city's symbolic importance as the former capital and its role in the 150th-anniversary celebrations of Italian unification. The convention aimed to leverage this national event to raise awareness of ufological research, which the CISU views as a crucial, often overlooked, area of study that addresses a societal need for knowledge and understanding. Grassino emphasizes the importance of conducting this research seriously and honestly, reclaiming a sense of dignity for the field.

A fortunate coincidence was the publication of Pietro Torre's book, 'Strane luci nella storia d'Italia' (Strange Lights in the History of Italy), a comprehensive catalog of unusual aerial phenomena from antiquity to the 20th century, which served as a perfect bridge between historical observations and contemporary UFO cases.

The convention, titled '150 anni di UFO in Italia,' was held in Turin's historic center, aligning with the city's 150th-anniversary events. A specially designed graphic by Giorgio Giorgi, depicting historical figures observing UFOs over Turin, was created for the event. Additionally, a special commemorative postal cancellation was issued, featuring a stylized version of Giorgi's illustration.

Communication and Organization

To promote the convention, a dedicated website (www.ufoitalia150.com) was launched, and press releases were distributed. The magazine 'Focus Storia' provided patronage, publishing an article by Paolo Toselli on significant Italian UFO cases. A press conference was held at the Circolo dei Lettori in Turin. The communication efforts resulted in widespread dissemination through online channels, local and national media, and television coverage.

The convention attracted a large audience, with seating exceeding capacity, indicating significant public interest. The event was deemed highly positive, allowing the CISU to present its data and research direction effectively.

The Convention Program

The convention featured several presentations:

• Gian Paolo Grassino provided a brief introduction.
• Paolo Toselli presented '15 cases for 150 years: the most striking episodes from Unification to the present day,' tracing UFO cases across Italian history.
• Paolo Fiorino discussed 'The President's (Mishandled) Close Encounter at Castel Porziano,' a significant X-File case.
• Pietro Torre presented his book, 'Strane luci nella storia d'Italia.'
• Maurizio Verga explored 'The Martians of the 1800s,' examining the myth of extraterrestrials before the modern concept of UFOs.
• Edoardo Russo concluded with 'Torino, capital of ufology,' detailing Turin's role in Italian ufological history.

The event was considered a success, similar to previous CISU conventions, emphasizing the possibility of discussing UFOs seriously and rigorously while maintaining engagement.

Historical Overview of UFO Sightings in Italy (1860-2011)

The magazine provides a detailed chronological account of UFO sightings and related phenomena in Italy:

• 1800s: Early reports primarily consisted of nocturnal lights, often explained as natural phenomena like globular lightning or meteors. The "Stella d'Italia" sighting in 1871, coinciding with the inauguration of the Italian Parliament, was later attributed to the planet Venus.
• 1860s-1890s: Sightings included luminous globes, unusual aerial objects resembling balloons, and early accounts of strange lights.
• 1900s: Reports of nocturnal lights, often described as globes, continued, with similarities to anomalous natural phenomena.
• 1910s: Sightings involved bright glows, luminous phenomena, and objects described as spheres.
• 1920s: The decade saw the emergence of 'close encounters,' including third-type encounters, though sources are often anecdotal.
• 1930s: Reports included nocturnal lights and close encounters, with some cases exhibiting similarities to globular lightning.
• 1940s: The appearance of 'foo fighters' during World War II was prominent, followed by reports of 'mystery rockets' and the dawn of the 'flying saucer' era in 1947. The first Italian UFO association, Centro Studi Spaziali, was founded in Turin in 1949.
• 1950s: A significant wave of sightings occurred in 1950, with hundreds of cases reported. Close encounters of the third kind increased, and the phenomenon of 'angel's hair' was noted. The first UFO photograph in Italy was reported in Bologna.
• 1950s-1970s: The Italian Air Force began investigating UFOs, and standardized reporting forms were introduced. Eugenio Siragusa reported encounters with extraterrestrials. The phenomenon of 'foo fighters' and 'flying saucers' continued, with various official investigations and the establishment of ufological groups.
• 1970s-1980s: Waves of sightings occurred, particularly in 1973-74 and 1978-79, with thousands of cases cataloged. The 'close encounter of the third kind' phenomenon gained prominence, partly due to Steven Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.' The CISU was founded in Turin in December 1985, aiming for a scientific approach to ufology.
• 1990s: A new typology of sightings, 'flying humanoids,' emerged, influenced by the 'X-Files' TV series. The 'alien autopsy' hoax gained traction. The phenomenon of crop circles began appearing in Italy.
• 2000s: The decade saw a decline in close encounters of the third kind and a near disappearance of third-type encounters. Crop circles and 'alien abduction' cases became more common. A massive wave of sightings occurred in 2009, with over 3500 cases, many disseminated online, including 'non-sightings' discovered through photo and video analysis.

CISU and its Network

The magazine details the CISU's extensive network of representatives across Italy, available to receive reports, offer collaboration, and provide information on ufological topics. It also lists the members of the directive council. The CISU's online presence is highlighted through its websites (cisu.org, ufo.it, ufodatanet.org, wikiufo.org/forumita) and the UFOITALIA mailing list. The UPIAR online bookstore is also promoted for purchasing ufological materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the CISU's commitment to rigorous, scientific, and honest ufological research. It contrasts this approach with sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. The historical overview demonstrates a long tradition of unexplained aerial phenomena in Italy, often intertwined with national events and societal interest. The magazine aims to inform the public and researchers alike, providing a comprehensive record of Italian ufology while advocating for its recognition as a legitimate field of study. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry, seeking to understand phenomena that fall outside conventional scientific explanations.

This special issue of UFO magazine, titled "SPECIALE 150 ANNI DI UFO IN ITALIA," focuses on the history of UFO sightings in Italy, particularly during the period of Italian unification (1860-1871) and a significant modern case from 1963. The issue is divided into several sections, exploring historical accounts, official investigations, and the methodology of studying such phenomena.

The Castelporziano Incident: A Detailed Report

The core of the issue features a detailed report on a UFO sighting that occurred on August 20, 1963, near Castelporziano, Rome. This report is based on a form filled out by the witness, likely an employee of the Presidential estate, and later expanded upon by Igino Gatti, a consultant for the Italian Air Force's intelligence services. The witness described an object resembling an English helmet, metallic-blue in color, with a luminous tower and windows. The object was observed for 25 seconds, hovering and moving erratically before disappearing rapidly. The report includes a detailed questionnaire filled out by the witness, covering aspects like the object's luminosity, shape, color, size, and behavior. The object was estimated to be about 20 meters in diameter and was described as very bright, with clear contours. It emitted a faint, variable, phosphorescent light from three elliptical 'windows.' The witness also reported a slight whistling sound and that the object caused his car to vibrate violently.

Italian military intelligence, specifically two officers from the AMI, investigated the case on September 20, 1963. Their report confirmed the witness's credibility and detailed the event, including a reconstruction of the car's movements and the object's trajectory. The investigation involved interviewing the witness, timing the phases of the sighting, and conducting on-site surveys. The report noted that the object moved slowly at first, then advanced, hovered, and made a rapid ascent and disappearance. The military investigation found no evidence of aircraft activity in the area at the time. The case was classified as 'unidentified' in the Project Blue Book archives due to 'insufficient data for evaluation.'

Further information was gathered from journalist Marcello Coppetti, who recalled a conversation with Colonel Aldo C. of the AMI. Colonel C. mentioned a similar sighting by a senator visiting the President in Castelporziano around 1964-1965. Coppetti's notes also mention Colonel Igino Gatti, who conducted investigations and created 'schede' (files) related to UFO sightings, indicating a serious consideration of the phenomenon within defense circles.

Pre-UFO Phenomena: A Historical Perspective

Another significant section of the magazine, authored by Edoardo Russo, discusses the concept of 'Pre-UFO' phenomena – sightings of unusual aerial objects and lights throughout history, predating the modern UFO era that began in 1947. This section highlights the work of researchers like Charles Fort, Desmond Leslie, and Harold Wilkins, who sought to demonstrate that modern UFOs were not solely a product of contemporary technology but had historical precedents.

The article introduces the concept of 'clipeologia' (from the Latin 'clipeus ardens' or 'burning shield'), a field dedicated to studying ancient accounts of aerial phenomena. It also discusses the shift towards the 'paraphysical hypothesis,' popularized by Jacques Vallée, which suggests that these phenomena might represent encounters with an alternate reality rather than extraterrestrial visitors.

The challenges in studying Pre-UFO cases are thoroughly examined, including the anecdotal nature of historical records, the tendency to decontextualize or embellish accounts, and the difficulty in applying modern UFO terminology to ancient descriptions. The magazine emphasizes the importance of philological rigor and the use of original sources.

The PreUFOCat Project

The magazine details the "Progetto PreUFOCat" (PreUFOCat Project), an initiative by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU) to systematically archive and catalog Italian UFO and Pre-UFO sightings. The project aims to cover phenomena from ancient Rome up to the present day, with a particular focus on the period before 1947. The project is structured into six chapters, covering different historical periods and geographical areas, and has compiled over 952 cases.

Historical Sightings in Italy (1860-1871)

As part of the special issue celebrating 150 years of Italian unification, Pietro Torre presents a selection of UFO sightings from 1860 to 1871. These include:

• October 4, 1860, San Giovanni in Fiore (CZ): An object described as a 'beam of fire' appeared, causing panic and leading to a religious procession.
• December 10, 1860, Sea of Gaeta (LT): On a French ship, a bright ball of fire was observed, accompanied by a loud detonation.
• Around December 16, 1860, Siena: A large fireball crossed the sky, producing a loud noise and sparks, with reports of falling fragments.
• September 28, 1862, Piperno (LT): A fireball was seen in a town square, causing damage to windows and gutters.
• November 1, 1864, Montespertoli (FI): A large, luminous white globe of fire was observed hovering in the sky.
• July 14, 1865, Monte Cervino (AO): During the descent from Monte Cervino, survivors reported seeing a large luminous semicircle divided by a stripe, with a Latin cross in each sector.
• November 27, 1871, Rome: A bright object, described as a 'luminous star,' was observed in the sky during the inauguration of the Italian Parliament. This was later identified as the planet Venus.

Methodological Issues and Future Perspectives

The magazine discusses the methodological difficulties in interpreting historical accounts, emphasizing the need for careful source analysis and avoiding anachronistic interpretations. It highlights the work of researchers who strive for philological accuracy and the use of original documents. The PreUFOCat project is presented as a significant step towards a comprehensive and systematic catalog of Italian Pre-UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the long history of unexplained aerial phenomena, suggesting that they are not solely a modern invention. It highlights the role of official investigations, such as those conducted by the Italian Air Force and the US Project Blue Book, in documenting and analyzing these events. The magazine promotes a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO research, advocating for rigorous methodology and the preservation of historical data. The editorial stance leans towards acknowledging the reality of unexplained phenomena while cautioning against sensationalism and speculative interpretations, particularly when dealing with historical accounts.

This special issue, titled "SPECIALE 150 ANNI DI UFO IN ITALIA" (Special 150 Years of UFOs in Italy), published in December 2011 by RIVISTA DI INFORMAZIONE UFOLOGICA, focuses on historical UFO sightings in Italy, with a particular emphasis on events from the 19th century. The cover headline, "Strane luci nella storia d'Italia" (Strange lights in the history of Italy), sets the tone for the issue's exploration of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Historical Sightings in Italy (1866-1871)

The magazine meticulously documents a series of historical sightings, presenting them chronologically:

• 1866, July 22, Imperia: Two concentric luminous disks were observed, which then separated and moved in opposite directions (Southwest and Northwest).
• 1866, July 23, Imperia: The following night, a third object appeared, heading Northeast, shortly after the previous sighting.
• 1867, August 17, Rome: A globe of fire was seen passing through a gate and along a path before exploding in a courtyard. While it caused a sensation of heat, no damage was reported, leading to a possible explanation as globular lightning.
• 1867, August 21, Moncalieri (TO): A bright meteor, described as similar in apparent size to Jupiter and vivid red, was observed moving below the clouds.
• 1869, May 5, Moncalieri (TO): A large, bright meteor with a reddish hue and a luminous tail was sighted, appearing to descend close to the ground.
• 1869, November 28, Messina: A strong earthquake was accompanied by the observation of a star-like object in the sky that varied in brightness, later identified as the planet Jupiter.
• 1870, date unspecified, Ala di Stura (TO): A large sphere of pulsating light was seen, which then split into three smaller globes before disappearing.
• 1870, December 31, Velletri (RM): A luminous globe was observed rising from the ground, moving horizontally, and striking a tower with a loud noise.
• 1870, December 31, Civita Lavinia (RM): During a snowstorm, a luminous globe exploded against a bell tower, causing damage and spreading black smoke.
• 1871, April 11, various locations in Piedmont: A luminous white-blue object with a bright nucleus was observed, exhibiting unusual behavior, including stopping and moving erratically.
• 1871, April 12, Moncalieri (TO): A large, luminous meteor, initially reddish then deep blue, exploded with a detonation heard indoors.
• 1871, May 30, Grosseto: A regular circle with iridescent colors was observed within the solar disk.
• 1871, July 31, Northern Italy: Reports describe a spectacular meteor that grew in size, changed color from white to blue and then blood red, and emitted white and blue light bursts, accompanied by a detonation.
• 1871, August 1, Marsiglia (France): A red luminous object was sighted moving erratically, stopping, deviating, and descending perpendicularly.
• 1871, November 27, Rome: A very bright star-like object, dubbed the "Stella d'Italia" (Star of Italy), was observed in broad daylight for five hours, later attributed to the planet Venus.
• 1871-1872, night, Milazzo territory (ME): Legends of luminous "will-o'-the-wisps" were associated with the area, possibly linked to the Battle of Milazzo.
• 1871, March 18, Turin: A luminous white object, appearing as large as a full moon, flew over the city, leaving a wide, luminous trail.
• 1871, March 24, Urbino: A detonating meteor crossed the sky, leaving a visible trail.
• 1871, March 24, Volpeglino (AL): A white luminous object with a large apparent diameter moved slowly, leaving a persistent trail and exploding with a loud detonation.

The Martian Hypothesis and Early UFO Culture

The article "Gli UFO vengono da Marte!" (UFOs Come from Mars!) by Maurizio Verga explores the historical connection between UFOs and the planet Mars. It traces the evolution of the "Martian hypothesis," from early astronomical observations and misinterpretations of Martian canals (like those by Schiaparelli) to its popularization through science fiction magazines and films. The article highlights how the idea of intelligent life on Mars, capable of advanced technology and interplanetary travel, became deeply ingrained in popular culture, especially in the mid-20th century. It discusses figures like Percival Lowell and the impact of early UFO sightings in the US, such as Kenneth Arnold's, in solidifying the link between UFOs and Martians.

The text also touches upon early attempts at interplanetary communication and the role of media in shaping public perception. It mentions how the concept of Martians was frequently used in rhetoric and art, representing advanced beings and technological marvels.

Torino: Capital of Ufology

Edoardo Russo's article, "Torino capitale dell'ufologia" (Torino, Capital of Ufology), details the significant role the city of Torino has played in the history of Italian ufology. It highlights:

• Early Associations: The founding of the first Italian UFO association, Centro Studi Spaziali, in Torino in 1949 by Giovanni Settimo.
• Pioneering Publications: The publication of the first Italian UFO periodicals, including "Vimana" (1954) and "Dischi Volanti" (1960).
• Organizational Hub: Torino's role as a central hub for UFO organizations, including the Centro Unico Nazionale (CUN) and later the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU).
• Archives and Research: The establishment of extensive UFO archives and libraries in Torino, attracting researchers from across Italy and Europe.
• Continuous Activity: The long-standing presence of a stable UFO association office in Torino, hosting regular meetings and activities for over thirty-two years.

Case Study: The Abbiate Guazzone UFO Encounter (1950)

The "CASI STORICI" (Historical Cases) section features an in-depth analysis by Roberto Raffaelli of the 1950 Abbiate Guazzone UFO incident. This case involves Bruno Facchini, an operaio who reportedly encountered a landed UFO and its occupants. The article details:

• The Encounter: Facchini's account of seeing a strange light, investigating, and then observing a large, dark object with a luminous base and a visible hatch. He described seeing figures in protective suits working on the object.
• The Occupants: Facchini described the occupants as appearing human-like, wearing suits similar to those of astronauts or divers, with helmets featuring visors and intercommunication devices.
• The Interaction: When Facchini revealed himself, the occupants reacted with alarm. One entity used a device resembling a camera to incapacitate him, causing him to fall and feign unconsciousness. The occupants then returned to their craft, which subsequently took off vertically.
• Analysis: Raffaelli discusses the unusual aspects of the case, including the occupants' apparent need for protective suits, suggesting they might have been exposed to hazardous radiation or conditions related to the craft's propulsion system. The analysis also considers the possibility that the landing was an emergency repair stop.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of historical accounts, scientific inquiry, and popular imagination regarding UFO phenomena. It emphasizes documented sightings, often cross-referencing them with meteorological or astronomical explanations where plausible, while also acknowledging the enduring mystery. The magazine's stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation and documentation, aiming to present a scientific approach to ufology, as exemplified by the CISU's mission. The recurring themes include the historical evolution of UFO beliefs, the scientific study of sightings, and the cultural impact of the UFO phenomenon, particularly the enduring fascination with potential extraterrestrial visitors from Mars.

This issue of "UFO" (N. 39, December 2011) is a special edition focusing on historical and contemporary UFO cases, with a particular emphasis on Italian sightings. The cover story, "2009: comincia l'ondata" (2009: the wave begins), by Giorgio Abrani, analyzes the surge in UFO activity in Italy during that year, linking it to events like "Chinese lanterns," meteor sightings, and crop circles. The magazine also features in-depth investigations into specific historical cases, including the Abbiate Guazzone encounter of Bruno Facchini and the "Alessandria 1978 - Allarme UFO" case.

The Bruno Facchini Case: A Detailed Investigation

The issue dedicates significant space to the 1950 encounter of Bruno Facchini near Abbiate Guazzone. The article, drawing from interviews with Facchini's relatives and correspondence with researchers like Renato Vesco, reconstructs the event. Facchini reportedly witnessed a circular object and its occupants, experiencing a physical interaction that left him injured. The investigation highlights the discovery of metallic fragments, which were later analyzed by the Istituto Sperimentale Metalli Leggeri (ISML) in Milan. The analysis identified the fragments as a lead bronze alloy, commonly used in bearings. Researchers debated the technical implications of these fragments, with Vesco initially struggling to reconcile them with his theories on UFO propulsion.

The article also explores the psychological and social impact of the sighting on Facchini and his family, detailing how the event led to ridicule and depression, significantly altering his life. The emergence of the case into public consciousness, particularly after its publication in "La Domenica del Corriere," is discussed, along with the challenges in verifying certain details and the potential for misinterpretation or fabrication.

The 2009 UFO Wave in Italy

Giorgio Abrani's article "2009: comincia l'ondata" provides a statistical analysis of UFO sightings in Italy during that year. It notes a significant increase in reports, particularly in the southern regions, starting in spring and escalating in June with a widely observed meteor. The article presents data on daily and weekly UFO events, regional distribution, and the impact of seasonal factors. It highlights specific events, such as a flap of lights in Turin attributed to Chinese lanterns and other sightings across Italy, including in Massa, Rome, Sasso Marconi, Sedini, and Schio. The analysis contrasts the 2009 wave with previous years and discusses the role of media coverage, particularly from "La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno," in disseminating information and potentially influencing public perception.

Other Cases and Features

Beyond the main features, the magazine includes brief mentions of other potential UFO-related events, such as sightings near L'Aquila possibly linked to an earthquake, and a photographic case in Bologna involving a "luminous triangle." The issue also touches upon the phenomenon of crop circles, noting a small increase in reports in 2009, and includes reviews of relevant books and DVDs, such as "Cum Grano Salis" on crop circles by Margherita Campaniolo and "Alessandria 1978 - Allarme UFO" by Paolo Toselli.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, witness testimony, and physical evidence in understanding UFO phenomena. There is a clear focus on analyzing data, cross-referencing information, and exploring the technical and scientific aspects of reported sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, seeking to separate credible reports from speculation and folklore, while acknowledging the profound impact these events can have on individuals and society. The magazine aims to provide a platform for detailed case studies and statistical analyses, encouraging a critical approach to the subject of UFOs.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated December 2011 (Issue 39), is titled 'ALLUFO! ALLUFO!' and focuses on the new and old problems related to UFO photography in the digital era, as explored by Paolo Bertotti and Paolo Toselli. The magazine adopts a critical stance, aiming to bring seriousness and credibility to ufological investigations by debunking common misidentifications and hoaxes.

Analysis of UFO Photos

The core of the issue is a detailed analysis of photographic phenomena that are frequently misinterpreted as UFOs. Paolo Bertotti introduces the concept of 'Blurfo,' an acronym derived from 'blur' and UFO, which encompasses various optical effects like motion blur, out-of-focus images, and lens artifacts. He argues that the proliferation of digital cameras and smartphones has led to a dramatic increase in such 'false' UFO sightings, often created by the technology itself rather than actual aerial phenomena. Bertotti criticizes 'FUfologi' (a term he coins for sensationalist ufologists) for creating unnecessary mystery and sensationalism, often driven by media appearances and a desire for economic gain.

Blurfo

This section elaborates on Blurfo, explaining how camera settings (shutter speed, aperture, focal length) combined with the subject's movement and distance can result in blurred or streaked images. It notes that compact digital cameras are particularly prone to these effects, contributing to the boom in such cases. Bertotti asserts that 100% of Blurfo cases are identifiable as birds, insects, or other mundane objects, and should be removed from the 'unidentified' category.

Orbs

Orbs are another common photographic anomaly discussed. The article explains that these luminous spheres are often caused by dust particles, water droplets, or reflections, particularly visible with digital cameras due to their sensitivity to infrared and ultraviolet light. While some interpret them as angels or spirits, the analysis concludes they are typically mundane phenomena, often generated by out-of-focus elements like snowflakes or dust, and should also be excluded from unidentified cases.

Lens Flare

Lens flare, characterized by geometric light patterns, is explained as an artifact caused by light sources reflecting within the camera lens. While common in digital photography, especially with low-resolution cameras or mobile phones, it is also a well-known phenomenon in traditional photography. The article notes that while lens flare photos are becoming easier to identify, the increase in video recordings has led to new forms of manipulation.

Flashburn and Rods

Flashburns are described as effects where insects or birds, illuminated directly by the flash, become overexposed and their details are obscured, sometimes resembling organic alien spacecraft. Rods are attributed to long exposure times, capturing the movement of insects or birds as luminous streaks. The article mentions that these phenomena, once categorized as UFOs, have largely been relegated to esoteric circles or explained as natural occurrences.

Sky Lanterns

Sky lanterns, increasingly popular for events, are identified as a common source of UFO reports. The article explains their visual characteristics, including their luminous, often pulsating glow, and how their appearance in photos or videos can be misinterpreted, especially when out of focus or affected by atmospheric conditions.

Video and Photo Manipulation

The issue highlights the sophisticated tools available for creating fake UFO evidence. Programs like Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, and iMovie, along with specialized apps like 'UFO Camera' and 'UFO Capture' for smartphones, allow for the easy creation of convincing CGI UFOs and photo montages. The article warns that even experienced photo analysts can be fooled by these manipulations, and emphasizes the need for critical evaluation of all photographic evidence.

Debunking Specific Cases

Several specific cases are analyzed and debunked: a widely circulated video of a UFO allegedly pursued by RAF jets over the M5 motorway in the UK is revealed as CGI; a video of a tetrahedron-like object over Moscow's Red Square is also identified as a hoax; and a luminous sphere reported over Jerusalem is explained as a manipulated video. The article also discusses a spectacular light phenomenon over Norway in 2009, initially attributed to UFOs, which was later confirmed to be a malfunctioning Russian missile launch. Similar phenomena in China and the former Soviet Union are also linked to military missile tests.

CISU News and Publications

The magazine also includes news from the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU). The 25th National UFO Conference was held in Terni, focusing on a 'different perspective' on ufology, emphasizing direct investigation and critical analysis over sensationalism. Presentations covered local UFO cases, the history of ufology, and the challenges of misinformation. The issue also announces the updated 'Biblio-Cat 2010,' a comprehensive catalog of Italian UFO and para-ufological literature, and mentions a visit from Swedish ufologist Anders Liljegren and Didier Gomez from the French magazine Ufomania, who praised CISU as a model for French ufologists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the critical examination of UFO photographic and video evidence. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards sensationalist claims and a strong emphasis on scientific analysis, debunking, and the importance of accurate information in ufology. The magazine advocates for a more rigorous and less sensational approach to the study of UFO phenomena, distinguishing between genuine mysteries and easily explainable artifacts or hoaxes. The overall message is that the digital age, while offering new tools for investigation, has also made it easier to create and disseminate false evidence, requiring greater vigilance and critical thinking from researchers and the public alike.

Title: NOTIZIE CISU
Issue Date: December 2011
Publisher: CISU (Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici)
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of Notizie CISU focuses on the intersection of ufology with mainstream culture and historical research.

II CISU "dentro" una pubblicità!

The lead article details a unique instance where the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU) was explicitly mentioned in a national advertising campaign. The campaign, launched on December 1, 2009, by the sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, was titled "Tutto il rosa della vita" (All the pink of life). The creative concept, developed by McCann Erickson and featuring illustrations by Jerico Santander, aimed to portray Gazzetta's world as positive, joyful, and colorful, opening up to new content.

The campaign utilized various media, including print ads in La Gazzetta dello Sport and other major Italian dailies, as well as large-format billboards and 3D billboards in Milan and Turin. A specific illustration depicted a classic flying saucer lifting a Formula 1 car with a tractor beam.

For the web campaign, managed by MRM, La Gazzetta dello Sport created new illustrations brought to life with web animation. The most significant discovery for CISU occurred on the campaign's website: when a user hovered over an image of a flying saucer, a box appeared stating, "Il Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici ha censito oltre 18.500 oggetti volanti non identificati" (The Italian Center for Ufological Studies has cataloged over 18,500 unidentified flying objects). This information was derived from CISU's press releases from a 2007 conference. This marked the first time CISU was explicitly cited in a nationally distributed advertisement.

Nicola Speroni, marketing manager for La Gazzetta dello Sport, explained that the campaign's creative concept was to showcase Gazzetta's openness to new horizons, content, and media, emphasizing positivity and vitality. He also detailed the newspaper's positioning as a national daily targeting a male audience with diverse news, integrated into a broader 'system' including web, community, games, and mobile platforms.

The entire communication project was coordinated by Momentum (part of the McCann group) and involved a multidisciplinary team from McCann Erickson (advertising) and MRM (digital), along with public relations agency Weber Shandwick. Simone de Martini, CEO of Momentum, highlighted the integrated approach to create a strong message.

Speroni also provided statistics for 2009: La Gazzetta dello Sport had 384,000 daily copies distributed (ADS), 3.7 million readers (Audipress), and 884,000 unique website visitors. The future objective was to grow advertising revenue by expanding content in fashion and technology.

The article concludes by posing a question to the reader: "According to you, UFOs and CISU are closer to which content?"

Book Reviews and Publications

The issue also features several reviews of books published by UPLAR and CISU, focusing on historical UFO phenomena:

• "Strane luci nella storia d'Italia" (Strange Lights in the History of Italy) by Pietro Torre: This is described as the first national catalog of unusual aerial phenomena observations in Italy, covering over 2,700 years and containing 952 cases (with an appendix bringing the total close to 1000). The catalog is divided into six chapters covering antiquity, the early and late Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the 17th century, the Enlightenment, and the 19th century. It is 260 pages and costs €26.00 (€21.00 for CISU members).

• "L'alba di una nuova era" (The Dawn of a New Era) by Giuseppe Stilo: This book focuses on the 1946 "ghost rockets" phenomenon in Italy and worldwide, seen as a precursor to the modern UFO era and the "flying saucer" craze that followed Arnold's sighting in the US. It contains 228 pages with 9 illustrations and costs €14.00 (€11.20 for CISU members).

• "Scrutate i cieli!" (Scan the Skies!) by Giuseppe Stilo: This monumental work documents the first major global wave of UFO sightings in 1950. Stilo provides a detailed reconstruction of the event, based on CISU's archival research for the 'Operazione Origini' project, identifying nearly 300 Italian sightings and over 1,200 related news items. It is 420 pages with 35 photos/illustrations and costs €22.00 (€17.60 for CISU members).

• "Ultimatum alla Terra" (Ultimatum to Earth) by Giuseppe Stilo: This volume examines the 1952 wave of flying saucer sightings in Italy and globally. Stilo analyzed 1800 news items and articles to reconstruct events, including the first close encounters of the third kind and early UFO photos in Italy. The phenomenon began to take on the characteristics of an extraterrestrial event for the public. It is 542 pages with 39 illustrations and costs €27.90 (€22.30 for CISU members).

• "Il quinto cavaliere dell'Apocalisse" (The Fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse) by Giuseppe Stilo: The first volume of this work covers the major UFO wave of 1954 up to October 31st. This period saw unprecedented global sightings and, notably, the mass appearance of alleged "entities" associated with the phenomena. In Italy, the wave began in mid-September, with over 1000 sightings reported by year-end. The book is 658 pages with 41 photos/illustrations and costs €38.00 (€30.40 for CISU members).

An exclusive offer for CISU members is mentioned, allowing direct home delivery of these books at discounted prices via postal current account payments to Cooperativa UPIAR.

LE CARTOLINE DEL CISU CON ANNULLO FILATELICO UFOLOGICO

This section announces a special philatelic offer related to the CISU's National UFOlogy Convention, "150 anni di UFO in Italia," held in Turin on November 12, 2011. A folder of 8 pages was created, containing 4 event postcards. These postcards are limited edition (300 copies), with two dedicated to the convention, one reproducing an illustration by Giorgio Giorgi, and another being a reprint of a postcard from a 1965 Turin convention organized by Clypeus. The folder costs €15.00 (€12.00 for CISU members).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the presence of UFOs and ufological concepts in popular culture (specifically advertising) and the detailed historical documentation of UFO sightings. The editorial stance is one of promoting and disseminating research in ufology, particularly through the cataloging of historical cases and the publication of in-depth studies. CISU is presented as a central authority in Italian ufological research, actively involved in both academic pursuits and public outreach, as evidenced by its mention in advertising and its publication of extensive historical records.